Important Questions and Answers for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2 Era of One Party Dominance 2025-26

1. Multiple choice questions.

1. Which party dominated Indian politics after Independence, leading to the phrase "Era of One Party Dominance"?

• (a) Bharatiya Janata Party
• (b) Communist Party of India
• (c) Indian National Congress
• (d) Janata Dal

Answer: (c) Indian National Congress

2. Who was the first Prime Minister of India after independence?

• (a) Sardar Patel
• (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
• (c) Rajendra Prasad
• (d) J.B. Kripalani

Answer: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru

3. In the first general elections of 1952, which party won the majority of seats?

• (a) Communist Party of India
• (b) Bharatiya Jana Sangh
• (c) Indian National Congress
• (d) Socialist Party

Answer: (c) Indian National Congress

4. The term ‘Congress System’ was coined to describe India’s:

• (a) Economic model
• (b) Foreign Policy
• (c) Party dominance structure
• (d) Educational reforms

Answer: (c) Party dominance structure

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

1. What is meant by the "Era of One Party Dominance" in Indian politics?

Answer: It refers to the period after independence when the Indian National Congress remained the only dominant party at the national and state levels, facing little effective opposition.

2. Name any one major opposition party during the first decade of Indian Independence.

Answer: The Communist Party of India (CPI) was one of the major opposition parties after Independence.

3. Who coined the term "Congress System"?

Answer: The term was coined by the political scientist Rajni Kothari to describe India’s party structure in the 1950s and early 1960s.

4. Who was the first President of Independent India?

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of Independent India.

5. Short Answer Questions.

1. Explain two factors that led to the dominance of Congress after independence.

Answer: Congress had its roots in the freedom movement, giving it nation-wide support and recognition. Leadership under Nehru provided a unifying vision. Also, the lack of effective opposition parties allowed it to consolidate power across states and the centre.

2. Why was the dominance of the Congress different from a one-party system found in other countries?

Answer: Unlike authoritarian regimes, Congress dominance was democratic: regular multiparty elections took place, opposition parties existed, and dissent was permitted. The Congress allowed for internal debate and accommodated diverse opinions, ensuring political competition within and outside the party.

3. How did opposition parties challenge the Congress during the era of one party dominance?

Answer: Opposition parties provided alternative socio-economic ideas, questioned government policies, challenged Congress in legislatures, took up popular movements, and gradually provided platforms for regional and ideological differences, setting the groundwork for future multi-party competition.

4. What was the significance of the first general election (1951-52) in India’s democracy?

Answer: It established India as a functioning democracy, showcased the success of universal adult franchise, and validated the legitimacy of elected representatives. It reaffirmed people’s faith in electoral politics, strengthening democratic institutions and processes.

5. Briefly discuss the role of regional parties during the era of one-party dominance.

Answer: Regional parties represented local interests, provided alternatives to Congress in some states, and gradually highlighted regional aspirations. Though not strong enough nationally, they contributed to the gradual emergence of federal tendencies in Indian politics.

4. True or False Questions.

1. The Socialist Party formed the first Government of India after independence.

Answer: False

2. Indian National Congress was the only party in the parliament after the first general elections.

Answer: False

3. The Congress allowed internal debates and accommodation of diverse opinions within its own party.

Answer: True

4. The Communist Party of India was a significant opposition party during the early years after Independence.

Answer: True

5. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

1. The party that dominated Indian politics immediately after independence was __________.

Answer: Indian National Congress

2. The first general elections in independent India were held in __________.

Answer: 1951-52

3. The author of the concept ‘Congress System’ is __________.

Answer: Rajni Kothari

4. The Communist Party of India acted as an effective __________ to the Congress in some regions.

Answer: Opposition

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